Cesena were winning 1-0 and looked to be heading for the victory until substitute Pazzini netted at the 91st and 95th minutes.

“Oh that was all carefully planned out,” laughed Leo of the 2-1 win just a week after a similar comeback with 10 men to beat Lazio.

“The truth is Cesena defended well and we were too slow, especially in attack. Nobody can deny we are a little fatigued after playing so many games. We conceded during a good spell of Cesena pressure, then everything changed when Pazzini came on.”

This result does mean that rivals Milan cannot celebrate the Scudetto this weekend, as even a win over Bologna won't mathematically clinch it yet.

“We are only focusing on ourselves. We want to maintain second place and enter the Champions League directly, without forgetting we also have the Coppa Italia semi-final. As for the title, anything can happen and we're still up there.

“It was tough today, above all psychologically, but the lads were great. I just have regrets over that cursed week, as going out of the Champions League really hurt us after a strange game with Schalke.

“This squad won the Treble last season, but despite it all, we were still close to winning it all again. Unfortunately, that week ruined everything.”

In quick succession Inter lost 5-2 to Schalke and 3-0 to Serie A leaders Milan.